Eastern European destinations are becoming all the rage for this summer’s travel season.  Croatia, Prague, Budapest, Poland, most of which were once off limits to most tourists during communism have seen a surge in tourism in recent years.  For many, these countries represent their family’s homeland and heritage and many are flocking to discover their roots.  Often these trips are highly emotional given the changes these countries have seen in the last decade.  All four destinations are rich in history and offer so much for visitors to do and see. 

Over the past two years, I was lucky enough to visit Prague and Budapest on business.  Given my many trips to Hungary, I was fortunate to build in sightseeing time and explored the many wonderful historic sites the city has to offer.  For regular readers of HermanWeb, you know that Budapest is the city where Darren proposed to me so it will always have a special meaning for us both. If you happen to be making your way out to Budapest – spring is the best time to visit.  The weather can be warm and seasonal, perfect for strolling along the Danube with a light jacket or sweater.  There is so much this city (and country) have to offer, so be sure to stroll across the Chain Bridge, ride the funicular up to the Castle District; stop in at Matthias Church, stroll the cobble stone streets, head over to the Parliament, the Great Synagogue and the Marketplace.  The city is very safe, so bring comfortable shoes and explore.  Don’t be shy about going to the outer parts of Budapest – you will find many wonderful and undiscovered restaurants that will give you the true flavor of the country.

Prague is another wonderful city to visit.  Small enough that you can pretty much walk anywhere, stroll across The Charles Bridge connecting the Old Town and Prague Castle.  Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Jewish Museum.  Bring along tissues as you will find the letters written by young children during World War II to be very emotional. 

Croatia is also become very trendy, especially Dubrovnik.  Ever since the Today Show went on location there a few years back as part of the “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” series, this country has been on my list of destinations to visit.  The small towns, beaches and little shops remind me of islands in Greece.  Explore the Old Town and stroll around the City Wall.  Visit Miljet Island  and Korcula.  Summer time is the most popular so it will be very crowded and the weather is very hot.  If you can go in the late spring you will avoid some of the crowds but still have good weather. 

Poland is also seeing an influx of tourists.  This country is full of history especially in Krakow, Warsaw and Gdank.   Krakow and Warsaw remind visitors of the attrocities the Jews faced during the German occupation.  It is impossible to not think of the many millions of Jews that died in the concentration camps.  Camps still remain to remind those of what happened there and to prevent the same attrocities from ever happening again.  A visit to Poland is an emotional one but a necessary one.  Winters can be especially brutal so its best to avoid this season.  Cold temperatures roll in early in the fall and stretch into the spring – so summer is the ideal time to visit. 

Wherever you travel, the best advice I can give people is to talk to the locals.  They are usually warm and friendly and will give you unique insight and perspective to life in that country.  Locals hold the true flavor of the town so take a moment and strike up a conversation with a store keeper, a host or hostess at a restaurant or even a man or woman on the street.  Their stories will be informative and inspirational. 

No matter where your travels take you this summer, enjoy them!  You will carry the memories with you for a lifetime.